Athletes have the power to inspire. When we have role models -- men who are basketball, soccer and ice hockey players, women who are triathletes, beach volleyball players and runners -- we can become more comfortable, confident and safe in how we identify and who we feel free to become.

From my perspective as an agent, I really do not see a downside to an athlete embracing this cause. I would gladly work for an openly gay player or a player who speaks up in support of the LGBT community.

It made me reflect on a time when I felt like I was alone, the only openly gay athlete at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. I was the lone gay kicker on the football team, fighting for acceptance on and off the field.

Moving toward a SportsWorld of equality is unfortunately a slow, painful process. Not everyone wants to go along for the ride. They have to be pushed and pulled, kicking and screaming. Making people face what makes them uncomfortable is part of the process; part of the march to equality on our playing fields and in our locker rooms.